Zimbabwe has
been the breeding ground for many people involved in wildlife related
pursuits. Estelle is one such protégé from this beautiful land that is in
such a state of trauma at present. Still, judging
by Estelle's work, its influence on people is clearly strong and we must
believe that it will have a better tomorrow.

At this
craft market, Estelle demonstrated her use of acrylics to capture the essence
of African wildlife. The Country Craft Market appreciates her willingness to
take the brave step of showing brush stroke by brush stroke, just how her
paintings emerge. This made a visit to the Country Craft Market, even more
worthwhile.

Brush
in hand,

Estelle
makes Zebras

appear
from bare canvas

Faces
of Africa

Colours
blend to capture

the
essence of Africa

On
a break ....

Shades

of
African

The
power

of
African Flora and Fauna

Captured by Estelle's pencils and paint

Fine
detail

of
African Fauna

Estelle's Story

It is said
(perhaps not often enough) that any good artist must fist learn to draw, and
certainly this would have been echoed by the great masters of the past like
Da Vinci and Picasso who left behind a wealth of sketches that show the soul
of their studies and work.

Some artists
find drawing sufficiently fulfilling and become great illustrators, others
spend extended time with a pencil in hand, producing excellent works, but
also discovering the fine details and nuances that will make them even better
painters.

Estelle chose
this latter route and has produced a large collection of drawings that have
captured in lifelike form, the fine detail of wildlife in the African bush.
In her striking composite works, the animals are drawn with coloured pencils,
and stand out clearly against washed backgrounds painted with watercolours.

Estelle's
drawing have also been used extensively on all manner of stationary and
calendars. The graphic detail of her work lends itself to the printed form.

Now Estelle
has taken the step of extending her use of media and with paintbrush traded
for pencil, is now producing acrylic works that add lustre to her already
notable collection of artwork. It is this
genre that she did her demonstration at this craft market on 13 October.
She invitet all visitors to the craft market to come and look over her
shoulder as she turned blank canvas into lifelike images of Africa at its
best. She also had a number of her excellent pictures available at her
stall.